How to identify and operate the most appropriate category management structure within a procurement context.

Category Management is not to be confused with expenditure segmentation. It is a structured framework of activities that is designed to deliver superior procurement outcomes.

This programme will identify a ‘Category Management Matrix’ that will help you understand the steps to be taken and the tools & techniques to be used as you progress through the process. These are essential to establishing and operating a successful category management approach, from a simple clarification of the subject through to the practical issues of making it a reality. This course provides a wealth of information enabling you to identify the most appropriate category management structure, learn how to identify opportunities/strategies and implement these for continued performance.

Aims - To explore the issues associated with identifying the most appropriate category management structure, to optimise the effectiveness and efficiency of the procurement organisation as well as progressing through a 4-step, (19 task) process to achieve results/implementation.

This course is intended for people who wish to understand and apply the tools/techniques/processes, either so that they can initiate Category Management within their company or work within an established system and contribute more fully to it. It will include several real-life case-studies to highlight aspects of the content.

Participants should ideally have worked in, or (for stakeholders) associated with, a professional Contracting & Procurement organisation for at least 2 years and be able to demonstrate a knowledge of existing purchasing processes.

By the end of the course, participants will have a clearer understanding of the following:

The importance of category management as a procurement business tool

An example of a typical Category Management process

Understand the key elements and tools which are essential to making category management a success

How to analyse and shape the market to meet Business and C&P needs

The tools & techniques needed to achieve the goals

Measuring the effectiveness of category management

Recognising the role of governance and Corporate Social Responsibility through the process.